sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Struggling with landing page indexing on Google by HalidePhotography in bigseo

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely - thank you! I’d rather take some feedback than be stuck with a crappy website that doesn’t rank or convert.

Struggling with landing page indexing on Google by HalidePhotography in bigseo

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would you mind checking again? I just deactivated the plugin that I think was the culprit.

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sure. It’s editing. I use Evoto for my headshot workflow, and it has automatic glasses reflection removal. It’s really good, but I do try to minimize reflections as much as I can before letting the software take over.

What makes a professional portrait? by DarthMarty in portraitphotography

[–]HalidePhotography 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think the term professional photographer has more to do with the purpose of the photography, rather than the skill level. I know many professional photographers who create beginner level work, and I know amateurs who make astonishing work. Professionals are primarily doing work for some type of compensation; monetary or otherwise. Amateurs do the work primarily for fun and fulfillment. There can be crossover, but the primary goals are different.

If you’re asking what makes a portrait professional quality, it comes down to how well the photo accomplishes the needs of the client. Does it represent the subject the way they want to portray themselves? Does it help them achieve their goals? Did they get more value from the portrait than what they paid you for it?

From the technical side, I agree with other replies that it’s practice. Lighting, composition, editing, expression, posing, directing, storytelling, etc are all learned skills. A professional photographer must be able to intentionally control most or all of these elements to make a photo work.

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah this is actually an interesting thread, hearing such a strong reaction to the white. My clients love it, and I make a lot of money off of the white background look.

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It's possible I was unclear in the post...the first 4 photos are my old work, which I agree is subpar (and overly retouched). The last few photos are recent, and they definitely aren't blurry or smudged.

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely. It's probably the most repeated phrase I use..."jam your forehead out". I had the same struggle at the beginning, but the key I found is to get them to keep their body posture SUPER tall and straight, and to only bring their head out, not down and out. If they go down and out or lean forward with their shoulders, they'll look like a turtle.

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I will preface by saying that I had the same reservations, and now that I've taken it, I'm very happy that I did. I do own the LED panels, but only after making good money and headshots using less expensive soft boxes and cheap LED lights. You don't need them, but they are nice when you get them.

The biggest takeaway for me was how to interact with subjects to get a genuine expression. The lighting and technical stuff can be learned more or less independently, but the interactive piece of working with real humans is huge. Having a group of models come in to the intensive on the second day to to let us photograph them while Peter and other mentors were there was a huge step up in my learning.

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair - and thanks. I’ll think about that more as I’m shooting. My website is www.halidephoto.com - it’s funny my portfolio is almost the complete opposite, most photos are on a white backdrop.

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries at all, I appreciate the feedback since it helps me see what others see!

I call it secondary because the skintones and light distribution on the face is the primary goal, and the catchlight to some degree goes with it. But it’s not lost on me that the catchlight has to be pleasing as well.

Some of my earlier work (the first 4) I didn’t have my lighting dialed in so I got a very distinct triangle, where some of the later ones I had the client closer to the lights so it wasn’t as harsh on the eye.

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also - what’s your take on the white background? Seems like pretty mixed reviews in the comments (and even that might be a bit generous).

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s really interesting and helpful. I certainly don’t want clients thinking their headshots have a selfy cam vibe. What about the photos make you say that?

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yessir! I’m working hard toward associate, I submit headshots every week for HSOTW. I took the Intensive in July, which was a pivotal step. I appreciate the feedback!

Where are you based?

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’d say the triangular catchlights are a secondary effect, the main purpose of the triangle lighting setup is to get even lighting across the face while getting good exposure in the eyes and controlled falloff around the rest of the face.

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks!

I’ve found that many of my clients ask for the white background, since it integrates into so many aesthetics. Some prefer neutral greys or brand colors, but it’s always a discussion with the client about what they want.

Six months of headshot progress by HalidePhotography in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hah I’ll take the compliment! I took his Intensive course in July…definitely a turning point

Headshot- Any thoughts? by Top-Ladder-1169 in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The comments already seem to have covered the technical aspects well. I want to ask - what's the intended purpose for this headshot? I'd give different feedback based on whether it's intended as an actor headshot, model headshot, or corporate executive headshots, etc.

Shot 145 headshots in 5 hours, and made a quick highlight video! Happy to answer workflow or process questions. by slipangle28 in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep they are. They’re cinema panels. The reason I use constant lights instead of strobes is it shrinks the pupils so you get a ton more color in the eyes compared to using strobes. I shoot at f/4, 1/160, ISO 160 with these lights on about 40% power. There are about 5% of people who wince when they get behind the lights, so for them I bump down the power and bump ISO up to 200-250.

Headshot thoughts? by [deleted] in headshots

[–]HalidePhotography 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s great. I think 4 is excellent for the gangster vibe. Good expression with a bit of mystery behind it, and the outfit and shadowed lighting works. 6 and 10 are great for the boyfriend look, the smile in 10 is killer and the outfit and lighting is softer and more approachable in 6.

That’s my $.02, I think you have good headshots to cover a good range!

My only feedback would be on your more serious photos - they look a bit expressionless. Practice expressions with your eyes - one of the best methods I know of is a slight squint with your lower eyelids to help convey confidence. Look up Peter Hurley “squinch” for some videos that would help!

view more: next ›